Madison, Wis. – Today, State Representative Travis Tranel (R-Cuba City) was appointed to serve as
the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture for the 2023-24 Legislative Session by
Speaker Robin Vos. As a 6th generation dairy farmer, Rep. Tranel brings a down-to-earth, no-
nonsense perspective regarding agriculture to the position.
“It’s an honor to be appointed by the speaker to serve my fellow farmers as chair of this
important committee. I can’t wait to get to work. Even though less than two percent of the U.S.
population currently farms, 100% of the population eats so the future of Ag is important for
everyone,” said Rep. Tranel.
For six terms, Rep. Tranel has served as a member of the Assembly Agriculture Committee and
was its Vice-Chairman during the 2011-12 session. Along with twelve years of experience
serving as a member of the Ag Committee, Rep. Tranel has exhibited tremendous leadership in
advocating for Wisconsin family farms and our state’s agricultural sector.
“Family farming in Wisconsin is a way of life. It will be important that we work collaboratively
with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to build a better future for Wisconsin agriculture and
promote economic prosperity throughout the state,” said Rep. Tranel.
Working with State Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green), he helped create the Dairy
Innovation Hub within the UW-System to ensure our state continues to lead the world in dairy
research and advancement. Since its inception, $24 million has been invested to keep
Wisconsin’s dairy industry strong. Focusing on the future of family farms, Rep. Tranel co-
authored the state’s Ag Tourism Law in 2014 that encouraged recreational, economic, and
educational opportunities on Wisconsin farms.
As an active farmer, Rep. Tranel lives on his family dairy farm, in rural Cuba City, with his wife
Stephanie, and their five children Quinn, Meadow, Ossie, Evelyn, and Violet.
On Tuesday, January 3, 2023, Rep. Tranel will take the oath of office and be sworn in for his
seventh term as the 49th Assembly District Representative. The 49th Assembly District includes
all of Grant County and parts of Richland, Lafayette, Vernon, and Iowa Counties.
Wisconsin Agricultural Statistics:
- $105 billion in annual economic impact to WI’s economy
- The Ag sector provides 435,700 jobs making up about 11.8% of WI workforce
- WI has 6,300 dairy farms and 1.28 million cows
- 1,200 WI cheesemakers produce about 25% of the nation’s cheese
- WI exports nearly $4 billion of agricultural and food products to 146 countries each year.
- Top cranberry producing state in the nation and ranks 3rd for potato production
